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Other Treatments for Osteoarthritis

Other Treatments

Effects of osteoarthritis (OA) can vary from person to person, which means what works for supportive care will vary as well. Work with your healthcare team to find what works best for you. Some options that may help manage symptoms and improve function include:

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Glucosamine
and
chondroitin
are substances found naturally in the body. Glucosamine stimulates the formation and repair of cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate prevents certain enzymes from breaking down joint cartilage. Though the function of these substances in the body is clear, their benefits as a supplement is not clear and may not be helpful for most people. If you are interested in taking these supplements, talk with you doctor first. Supplements may interact with other medications.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

With TENS, a doctor or a physical therapist places electrode patches on your skin, connecting you to a small machine. This machine sends painless electrical signals through the skin to the nerves. In people with knee osteoarthritis, TENS may decrease pain and improve function.

Application of Heat and Cold

Both heat and cold may provide some relief depending on your current situation. The one that works best may depend on your current activity and symptoms. Try both to see which may work best for you.

Heat improves blood and fluid circulation to the treated area which can decrease stiffness. Applying heat via warm soaks, whirlpools, paraffin wax, or heating pads can be very soothing. Each heat application has different guidelines. Talk to your healthcare team and try different options to see what is best for you.

Cold can help decrease inflammation in an affected joint. An ice pack can be applied for 20-30 minutes at a time, several times each day with a towel between the ice pack and your skin.

Assistive Devices and Splints

Using assisted devices may improve function and decrease stress on joints. Options will depend on the joints that are effected. Some include:

A cane, walker, or crutches may help mobility with hip or knee OA by redistributing body weight to the less affected joints.

Splints or braces help to properly align joints and distribute weight.

Orthotic shoe inserts or special shoes may provide some relief while you are doing daily activities or exercising.

Certain daily activities can become challenging with OA such as buttoning or zipping your clothing, opening jars, or opening doors. Special equipment is available to help with these tasks to maintain independence. An occupational therapist can help with selection of assistive devices and training to help adapt to changes.

Alternative Treatments

Some people have found success incorporating alternative therapies into their lives, particularly when combined with traditional therapies.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Osteoarthritis.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
website. Available at:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health%5FInfo/Osteoarthritis/default.asp. Updated August 2013. Accessed December 1, 2014.